Merchant Valley Reservoir
1936
1999
Description:
Plate 156 MERCHANT VALLEY RESERVOIR: 1936 - 1999 Viewed across Merchant Valley Reservoir on the Beaver River. The 1936 photo was taken to document the large amount of sediment that had recently been washed into the reservoir. In 1999, however, there is no sign of abnormal sediment accumulation in the reservoir, which suggests that watershed conditions have improved since earlier times. Conifers are more abundant in 1999 with a corresponding decline in aspen (Populus tremuloides); aspen is regenerating only on the rocky cliff face (left center). Utah Highway 153 (left center) has been upgraded and paved.
Photo Information:
1936 photo #327706 taken in August by the U.S. Forest Service; 1999 photo taken by Kay #4504-11 on Sept. 8. Forest Service photo [2540-Fishlake-1] held by the Forest Service Regional Office Photographic Collection housed at Weber State Univ., Ogden, UT
Vegetative Community:
Aspen, Conifer, Riparian
Location:
South Central: Tushar Mountains, Fishlake National Forest, Beaver Ranger District; T29S, R5W, Sect. 17, UTM 4238350 N, 373750 E; elevation 8,360 ft., viewed to north.